Beyond the surface: Orthopaedic blister management “A review of the literature”

Fracture blisters, often termed "trauma blisters" or "epidermolysis," are vesicles filled with clear fluid or blood that form on the skin within 24 to 48 hours following an acute fracture1. Their precise aetiology remains unclear, though it is hypothesised that dermal-epidermal junction damage due to severe shear stress plays a critical role. Blisters often appear near fractures, particularly in the lower extremities. They can emerge as soon as six hours to three weeks post-injury or surgery, delaying definitive fracture management due to the risk of wound complications. Management involves documenting blister characteristics and deciding between conservative and surgical approaches based on blister condition and patient factors. The aim for this review is to give a brief overview of the available literature in an attempt to consolidate current treatment recommendations.